Cape Town is an ideal attraction for digital nomads

The emergence of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic is a valuable opportunity for South Africa’s tourism sector to draw in tourists and self-employed individuals or employees from across the country and internationally.

In 2021, a survey conducted in South Africa by global recruiting company Michael Page found that as much as to 87% of participants advised/indicated that remote working did not affect their productivity, and more than 50% of them advised that they felt more motivated working remotely.

“These statistics reflect a strong case for remote working among global and local workforces. The future of work will demand more flexibility from employers, reflecting a need for better quality of life among workforces," says Wahida Parker, Managing Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company. ​

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed perceptions of remote work, for the better. Before the year 2020, the world of work was confined by cultural and structural barriers. Subsequently, the pandemic has forced companies to break through both and has catalysed a fundamental operational shift where work can be combined with travel.

“In the past, this way of working was restricted to travel agents, writers, pilots, and cabin crew members, Lockdown restrictions have led to more and more companies adopting a “work from home” culture, allowing employees in various fields of work to work remotely," adds Parker.

To accommodate international remote workers, or “digital nomads”, the South African government has taken steps to draw foreign remote workers to the south country through implementing a remote working visa. The City of Cape Town has also welcomed the remote work model and the implementation of a Remote Work Visa by government.

“By making it easier for digital nomads to work in South Africa, the tourism sector will also be able to benefit from an of an influx of foreign tourists in the country, who are looking to explore all of South Africa’s breath-taking natural wonders.”, says Parker.

In 2021, Cape Town was named one of the “Best Cities for Remote Working” by global housing rental platform, Nestpick. The City of Cape Town and Cape Town Tourism have also launched incentives and campaigns to draw remote workers to the city, as their presence brings significant value to the tourism industry and the economy.

“In addition to our local and international campaigns to bring tourists to Cape Town, the City is working on the ground to boost businesses. Through Cape Town Tourism, which is funded by the City, we are helping to prepare small businesses and communities at large for the visitor influx," says Alderman James Vos, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. ​

More than a mere workplace trend, the idea of working at any time, from anywhere is the future of work. Cape Town not only offers natural beauty as far as the eye can see and it truly is an ideal destination for remote workers offering essential benefits and amenities.

“In terms of infrastructure, Cape Town also has everything a remote worker would need to succeed, from fibre internet to rentable office space. We have also welcomed remote workers in the Wifi lounge at the top of Table Mountain, using the TMACC Cable Card, where they can enjoy ample working space, refreshments and food, stable internet and stunning views," concludes Parker.

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Issued by HWB Communications Pty Ltd on behalf of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company. For media queries, please contact Martin Slabbert on 079 500 1503 or [email protected]

About the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company:

• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company has been providing visitors with a world-class experience since 4 October 1929. The company operates in a National Park and World Heritage Site. For more information, visit www.tablemountain.net